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3 REASONS WHY: Homes in Greater Victoria are at High Risk for Water Infiltration

Perimeter drainage and waterproofing is our expertise. That’s why we want to share with you 3 of the reasons why water infiltration is common in Victoria.

If you own a home then keeping it dry, mold-free and structurally sound is likely very important to you and your family. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds living in beautiful (but damp) Greater Victoria. Living on Vancouver Island comes with its own set of water infiltration risks that can be difficult to combat if you don’t work with a waterproofing expert to assess the functionality of your perimeter or surface drains, waterproofing membrane system, or sump pump. But first, it’s important to be aware of why we are at a higher risk so that we can better protect our homes and our families.

RAINIt’s no secret that Vancouver Island, especially Greater Victoria, receives a lot of rainfall but statistics show we’re receiving more and more each year. For instance, March of this year was the rainiest March in Victoria since 1891! A long and heavy rainy season without a perfectly functioning perimeter and/or surface drainage system means water will sit in our yards and build up next to our foundations putting our homes at a high risk for water infiltration.

DENSE SOILSThe soil in many areas of Greater Victoria, especially Oak Bay, is especially dense. Often, homes built in these areas are on top of clay and sometimes bedrock. Although this type of soil or land is more difficult to permeate, once it is saturated it remains saturated for a lot longer than less dense soil. The saturated soil around our porous concrete foundations will cause a higher risk of water infiltration and subsequently, water damage.

THE WATER TABLEThe water table is the level below the ground that is saturated with water. A water table will rise and fall throughout the year, depending on the amount of rain or snow. A high-water table is often found in low-lying areas and areas where the soil does not drain well (Greater Victoria!). The water table is also affected by the tidal changes from the ocean surrounding us on the island. When rain seeps down into our yards it can meet with pockets of seawater that collect in in the soil. The denser seawater stays beneath the freshwater, causing the water table to rise and fall with the tides. A consistently rising water table in low-lying Greater Victoria means that our homes will be subjected to standing water next to our porous concrete foundations more frequently. This is another reason why Greater Victoria homes are at a high risk of water infiltration which can often lead to basement damage.

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